Oct 20245 min

From Nepal to DC: A Journey in Tech

Reflections on growing up in Nepal, experiencing the digital divide firsthand, and pursuing computer science in the United States.

Personal JourneyNepalDigital DivideImmigrationTechnology Access

My journey in technology began in the mountains of Nepal, where internet connectivity was a luxury and computers were rare. This early exposure to the digital divide would later become the driving force behind my career in technology and my commitment to creating inclusive digital solutions.

Early Encounters with Technology

Growing up in Nepal in the early 2000s, technology felt like magic. The first time I used a computer was at a local cyber café, where I paid by the hour to explore this new digital world. The contrast between the technological abundance I saw online and the reality of my daily life was stark and eye-opening.

The Digital Divide Reality

In Nepal, I witnessed how geography, economics, and infrastructure created barriers to technology access. While my friends in urban areas began using smartphones and social media, rural communities remained disconnected. This disparity wasn't just about convenience—it affected educational opportunities, economic prospects, and social connections.

Finding My Path

Despite the challenges, or perhaps because of them, I became fascinated with technology's potential to solve real-world problems. I pursued computer science with the goal of understanding not just how technology works, but how it can be made accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

The American Dream, Redefined

Coming to the United States for graduate school was both exciting and overwhelming. The technological infrastructure I had only dreamed of was suddenly at my fingertips. But rather than being dazzled by the abundance, I found myself thinking about the communities I had left behind.

Bridging Two Worlds

My experience at George Washington University has been about more than just acquiring technical skills. It's been about learning how to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world impact. Every algorithm I study, every system I design, I evaluate through the lens of accessibility and inclusivity.

The Mission Continues

Today, as I work on AI and machine learning projects in Washington DC, I carry with me the lessons learned in Nepal. Technology is not neutral—it reflects the values and priorities of those who create it. My mission is to ensure that the next generation of AI systems serves not just the privileged few, but communities everywhere.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

The journey from Nepal to DC has taught me that the most powerful technology is not the most sophisticated, but the most accessible. As I continue my career in tech, I remain committed to building bridges—between communities, between technologies, and between the world as it is and the world as it could be.